Psalms 3:3

But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

But thou, O LORD {H3068}, art a shield {H4043} for me; my glory {H3519}, and the lifter up {H7311} of mine head {H7218}.

But you, ADONAI, are a shield for me; you are my glory, you lift my head high.

But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.

But thou, O Jehovah, art a shield about me; My glory, and the lifter up of my head.

Commentary

Context

Psalms 3 is famously titled "A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son." This provides the critical historical backdrop of David's flight from his rebellious son Absalom. David was facing immense betrayal, public humiliation, and a direct threat to his life and throne. Many around him doubted God's deliverance (as seen in Psalms 3:2), yet David declares his unwavering trust in God, contrasting the overwhelming opposition with God's steadfast presence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection Amidst Adversity: Despite overwhelming threats and a sense of being surrounded by enemies, David confidently asserts God as his ultimate defense and refuge.
  • God as the Source of True Honor: When human reputation is tarnished and dignity is threatened by circumstances or adversaries, God remains the fount of genuine glory, worth, and standing.
  • Restoration of Dignity and Hope: God's ability to lift up a bowed head signifies His power to restore confidence, courage, and a sense of vindication in times of shame, despair, or defeat.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Shield" (Hebrew: magen): This term highlights God as a personal protector, a bulwark against external threats and accusations. It emphasizes active defense, much like a warrior's shield deflects blows, God protects His servant.
  • "My glory" (Hebrew: kabod): Beyond mere honor, kabod implies weight, substance, and true significance. In a time when David's reputation was being dragged through the mud and his kingship challenged, he declares God Himself is his true standing and honor, not human acclaim or earthly titles.
  • "Lifter up of mine head": This powerful idiom signifies restoration from a state of shame, defeat, or despondency. When one's head is bowed in despair or humiliation, God is the one who raises it, symbolizing renewed confidence, vindication, and hope. This sentiment echoes the confidence found in Psalms 27:6, where David declares his head will be lifted above his enemies.

Practical Application

Psalms 3:3 offers profound encouragement for believers facing personal attacks, public shame, or overwhelming challenges. It reminds us that:

  • When the world seems to be against us, we can find ultimate safety and defense in God, our unfailing shield. He provides protection that no human force can overcome.
  • Our true worth and honor do not come from human approval, social status, or favorable circumstances, but from our relationship with God. He is our inherent "glory," validating us even when others seek to discredit us.
  • In moments of despair, when our heads are bowed down by sorrow, humiliation, or fear, God is capable of lifting us up, restoring our hope, dignity, and confidence. This verse invites us to place our trust in His restorative power, even when all seems lost, knowing that He is the source of our ultimate triumph and peace.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 27:6 (72 votes)

    And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

  • Psalms 28:7 (64 votes)

    The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

  • Genesis 15:1 (52 votes)

    ¶ After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I [am] thy shield, [and] thy exceeding great reward.

  • Psalms 119:114 (51 votes)

    ¶ Thou [art] my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

  • Isaiah 60:19 (43 votes)

    The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.

  • Psalms 62:7 (36 votes)

    In God [is] my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, [and] my refuge, [is] in God.

  • Psalms 84:11 (35 votes)

    For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.